Job Description

Industrial Formulation Chemist/Product Development/Lab Manager

DESCRIPTION

Ardex Labs is an industry-leading manufacturer of automotive detailing products, established in 1949. We are a family-owned and operated organization. Ardex formulates and produces an extensive array of professional automotive detailing products in our Philadelphia-based plant. Drawing on decades of experience, we supply everything from the from economical and volume oriented products, to the high end boutique detail world. Ardex Labs strives for constant innovation and improvement of current products and processes.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Ardex Labs employs an in‐house, full-time, industrial formulation chemist who, working in conjunction with our extensive salesforce and customers, creates products that fulfill all of the industry’s needs in an ever-changing environment. Our company is driven by our passion for success and founded on strong teamwork and family values.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Formulation Chemist is responsible for developing innovative and unique formulations for all car care products. You will formulate and work closely with the Product Development and Production Teams to ensure a seamless transition as products move from lab development to production launch. Ardex is committed to continuous improvement and development of its products and procedures. These formulations and reformulations include duties such as:

• Reformulate based on raw material cost performance or availability of raw materials
• Formulate according to project objectives
• Innovate using existing or new raw materials with unique functionality and cost performance
• Replicate the performance of existing competitors’ products
• Evaluate competitors’ products to identify similar or identical Ardex products
• Evaluate the performance of new final product formulations with a professional detailer
• Produce lab pilot batches for final formulations
• Produce plant pilot batches for samples and market field testing
• From the above, make recommendations on the final procedure for plant production

In addition to formulating in the lab, you will manage a lab technician, provide training, guidance, written formulas, and procedures to ensure projects are completed on time and meet finished goods objectives (including quality, safety, sustainability, stability, and other customer requirements). Collaborate with Product Development to develop new formulations and procedures according to customer requests, ensuring formula compliance with industry standards while maintaining cost objectives and using best-in-class raw materials and suppliers. Remain current on the latest raw material trends and innovative technologies. Prepare and execute formula stability studies and evaluations for aesthetics, feel, and performance. Review all stability issues.

Responsibilities also include:

• Procuring lab and plant raw materials
• Staying abreast of upcoming regulatory and/or raw material issues
• Managing, reviewing, and entering all formula information, specifications, analytics, and procedures, including preliminary manufacturing and filling processes
• Supporting the manufacturing team with raw material replacements, pH/viscosity/color adjustments, and overseeing all first production batches and line trials
• Assisting in analyzing and breaking down competitors' products by conventional methods
• Assisting the Procurement Department in quickly identifying replacement suppliers and/or raw materials
• Analyzing rejected products from quality assurance or customers and developing root cause analyses to prevent ongoing problems

Must-Have Knowledge and Skills

• Suppliers of raw materials in the wax and cleaning industry
• Functions and uses of raw materials in the industry
• Negotiating the pricing of raw materials
• Cultivating good relationships with supplier representatives
• Recommending raw materials for procurement based on pricing and availability
• Properly negotiating pricing for raw materials based on production needs
• Providing written formulation, change control, and process documentation
• Analytical training and guidance (Viscosity, pH, Specific Gravity, Fill Weight, Flash Point)
• Overseeing formula stability, including documentation and issue resolution
• Overseeing testing and performance of formulated products

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of industry formulating experience in HI&I, experience with car care products preferred
• Experience with laboratory equipment and testing processes (Brookfield Viscometer, Penske Martin Closed Cup Flashpoint test, pH, Density, etc)
• Well-organized and proactive documentation and notes
• Good communication (verbal and written), problem-solving, interpersonal, and computer skills

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Work Location: In person

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